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Innovative low-cost carrier Flydubai to launch flights to Maldives from January 2013

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Maldives Promotion House – Flydubai, Dubai’s innovative low-cost airline, has announced flights to Malé, the capital of the Maldives.

Commencing on 19 January 2013, flights will operate five times a week between Dubai’s Terminal 2 and the Maldives’ Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Malé.

Bringing Flydubai’s presence in the Indian Subcontinent to nine points across six countries, the new route will allow travellers from across the region to enjoy affordable fares to one of the world’s most renowned leisure destinations.

“We are very excited about adding Malé to our destination network,” said Flydubai’s CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith.

“As the first low-cost carrier from the UAE to fly to the Maldives, we are making this island paradise even more accessible to travellers across our network. Flydubai offers a low-cost model with innovation and excellent service. This proposition has proved very popular with our passengers and will undoubtedly be a draw for those looking to experience one of the world’s top holiday spots at an affordable price.”

Voted the number one island destination in the Indian Ocean by Condé Nast Traveller readers, the Maldives has advanced its tourism credentials by promoting its rich culture, vast array of luxury resort experiences, exotic culinary experiences and adventure sports ranging from paragliding to diving. The country has also remained committed to protecting its diverse ecology and champions environmentally-friendly activities. The result has been a consistent growth in visitor numbers over the years, with the Maldives welcoming almost a million tourists in 2011 – a leap of 17.6% over 2010.

The country has proved particularly popular amongst travellers from Russia, CIS and GCC, with figures revealing a 15.7% increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter of this year compared to January to March 2011.

The report also highlighted a 77.8% increase in passengers from the Middle East over the same period with the growth linked to the opening of a number of Middle East-based hotel chains, such as Jumeirah Group’s Vittaveli Maldives which opened in December 2011. Flydubai flies to 16 points in the CIS and CEE, and more than 20 points in the Middle East.

“We anticipate a strong demand for flights from the GCC, in particular Kuwait, as well as markets such as Russia, CIS and Central & Eastern Europe. Thanks to our strong presence in both these regions, passengers will be able to fly to the Maldives via our Dubai hub,” said Ghaith Al Ghaith.

“This will be our first launch in 2013 and we look forward to welcoming passengers from across our network to this wonderful country.”
The Maldives is widely regarded as one of the world’s top holiday spots. It comprises of 1,190 coral islands, formed around 26 natural ring-like atolls and spread over 90,000 square kilometres. With a maximum natural ground level of only 2.4 metres, it is also the lowest country in the world, making it a water-lover’s paradise.

The Maldives will be the latest addition to Flydubai’s growing network of more than 50 destinations in 32 countries, spanning the GCC, Middle East, North Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Asia and Central & Eastern Europe.

The representative for FlyDubai as the GSA distributor in the Maldives is Inner Maldives Holidays.

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NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort unveils ‘Havana Nights’ festive programme

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This festive season, NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is turning up the rhythm with Havana Nights, a colourful island celebration inspired by the music, flavours and unmistakable spirit of Cuba.

Running from 21 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the programme brings together festive dining, live entertainment, family experiences, wellness and ocean adventures, all set against the natural beauty of Fonimagoodhoo in the UNESCO-protected Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve.

The celebrations begin on 21 December, an especially meaningful date as the resort marks the first anniversary of its new chapter as NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort. An anniversary cocktail reception will be followed by the lighting of the Christmas tree, setting the mood for more than two weeks of festive island life.

Christmas Eve will unfold with a distinctly tropical spirit. Guests can spend the day between wellness sessions, family activities and the beach before gathering for festive cocktails, Santa’s arrival and a Christmas Gala Dinner at Jumla. Live music and Cuban-inspired performances will carry the celebrations into the evening.

The programme continues with relaxed festive dining, music, beach activities, wellness experiences and plenty for younger guests, allowing families and couples to enjoy the season at their own pace.

On 29 December, Havana Nights takes its sense of adventure beneath the surface with the resort’s Sunken Rum Dive. Divers will retrieve an ocean-aged rum cask before the story continues ashore with Bring Up the Lost Treasure, a guided tasting inspired by Handhuvaru’s signature rum experience.

The island reaches its most vibrant on New Year’s Eve, with live entertainment, music and fire performances leading into a midnight fireworks display over the Indian Ocean. New Year’s Day slows the tempo with a leisurely brunch, live music and relaxed afternoon celebrations by the sea.

Inspired by the romance of Caribbean travel and the easy rhythm of island life, Havana Nights gives the traditional festive escape a warmer, more playful character. Days are made for the ocean, spa and sunshine, while evenings bring people together over good food, music and celebration beneath the palms.

NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort is home to 105 renovated beach and overwater villas, complemented by restaurants and bars, REVIVE Spa & Wellbeing, family facilities and a wide range of marine and recreational experiences.

The resort is located 35 minutes by seaplane from Malé, or 20 minutes by domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport followed by a 15-minute speedboat transfer.

For more information about NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, please visit the resort’s official website. 

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Joy Island plans festive season celebrations inspired by Maldivian island life

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Joy Island has unveiled its festive programme for 2026/2027. Titled Joyful Horizons the festive season runs from 22 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, offering a vibrant programme of celebrations and experiences inspired by the island’s natural rhythm.

Christmas on the Island

The season opens on 22 December with the lighting of the island’s Christmas tree on Rainbow Beach, with cocktails, and Captain Santa’s Ocean Escape, a family dhoni cruise. On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy cocktails at Rainbow Bar, a candlelit Gala Dinner at The Market and a Christmas Eve Party with a midnight snack spread. Christmas Day begins with Santa’s arrival on Rainbow Beach, followed by a festive brunch at The Market, a Christmas BBQ Dinner at Palm Beach and live music at Rainbow Bar.

Welcoming the New Year 2027

On 31 December, guests can start with a pre-dinner cocktail at Rainbow Bar, then sit down to a multi-course Gala Dinner on Rainbow Beach. Fireworks light up the beach at midnight for the countdown to 2027, and a midnight snack spread keeps the celebration going. New Year’s Day begins with breakfast, a Recovery Brunch at Market Restaurant, a Celebrate Maldivian Culture evening and Cinema Under the Stars at Palm Beach.

Dining Experiences

Explore signature culinary experiences such as Tales of the Maldivian Sea on 26 December, A Food Journey Through the Wines with Master Sommelier on 28 December, Endless Romance, a private candlelit dinner for two on 30 December, and the Italian Wine Journey on 4 January. Guests can also savour a diverse range of flavours across the resort’s restaurants, from international cuisine at The Market to authentic Italian dishes at Il Basilico and Asian specialities, including teppanyaki-inspired creations, at the Japanese Corner.

Family, wellness and discovery

Beach Family Olympics, a Family Kayak Race, a Family Amazing Race and family pool fiestas run through the season. Guests can also join a local island discovery tour, sunset fishing, coral planting with a marine biologist, and mixology and chocolate-making classes. The daily Kiddie Cove programme includes coconut shell painting, gingerbread crafts, treasure hunts and a kids’ talent show. Oasis Spa offers couples’ massages, facials and a Maldivian herbal poultice, and daily yoga runs at the Spa Yoga Pavilion.

As night falls, Rainbow Bar comes alive with vibrant themed evenings, including Hawaiian Night with a fire show, the Blanc & Beats White Party, Mystic Mask Night, Masquerade Party and Glow After Dark, creating a festive atmosphere filled with music, entertainment and unforgettable island moments.

“This festive season, we invite our guests to embrace the joy of togetherness and create unforgettable holiday memories. From exquisite gala dinners and vibrant themed evenings to exciting island adventures and fun-filled celebrations for all ages, we have curated a festive programme that captures the lively spirit of Joy Island, ” said Bandula Thilakarathne, Resort Manager of Joy Island.

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You & Me Maldives to celebrate festive season with exclusive dining and island experiences

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You & Me Maldives has unveiled its festive programme for 2026/2027. From 22 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, the adults-only romantic retreat will offer sixteen days of vibrant celebrations, exclusive dining experiences and unforgettable island adventures.
Christmas on the Island

The season opens on 22 December with a sunset cocktail party and “A Spark of Love” tree-lighting ceremony at Cheers Bar Beach. On Christmas Eve, guests are joined by carolers for a cocktail party, followed by a Christmas Gala Dinner on The Sand Beach and a late-night Christmas Party. Christmas Day brings carols, Santa’s arrival on the beach, a Christmas Brunch, an X-Mas Day Cruise and an Indian Chef Movement dinner.

Welcoming the New Year 2027

On 31 December, guests can enjoy a cocktail party at Cheers Bar Beach and a gala dinner on The Sand Beach. The night closes with the Disco Around the World Party, featuring dazzling performances, live music and DJ sets, before a midnight fireworks display over the Maldivian sky. New Year’s Day starts slowly with a “Love at First Light” breakfast and a New Year’s Brunch, then continues with the First Wave and First Catch of the Year excursions.

Romantic Dining Experiences

Romantic dining is the heart of the programme, featuring exclusive culinary experiences such as Krug Beneath the Waves on 28 December, a five-course dinner paired with Krug Champagne at H2O, the resort’s underwater restaurant six metres below the ocean’s surface, curated by Chef Andrea Berton. Other highlights include Journey Through the Night, a five-course dinner aboard the Love Boat; Beneath the Canopy of Love, an intimate beachside dinner paired with Ruinart Brut; Sand & Romance, featuring a unique sunken table set into the sand; and An Affair with Lobster, a beachfront lobster barbecue accompanied by Champagne, alongside many other exquisite culinary offerings.

Experiences and entertainment

Guests can head out on a Love Drift castaway sandbank picnic lunch, sunset fishing, dolphin cruises, stargazing and local island excursions. Evenings feature a Maldivian Boduberu show, a fashion show, karaoke, belly dance performances, a Glow Party and an Orthodox Christmas Party on 6 January. By day, the resort offers morning flow yoga, aqua aerobics, Tabata and a pool party.

Wellness Packages include the Moonlight Spa Ritual under the stars and a Private Sandbank Massage. Highlights include the Asian Heritage Signature Massage, Chakra Therapy and Lava Stone Therapy at our beautiful You & Me Spa.

“This festive season, we celebrate the special moments and connections that make the holidays truly memorable. From sumptuous gala feasts to extraordinary dining experiences six metres beneath the ocean at H2O, we have curated an exclusive programme that reflects the essence of our adults-only premium all-inclusive resort, inviting guests to celebrate romance in its most enchanting form here on the Island of Love,” said Mohamed Imthiyaz, General Manager of You & Me Maldives.

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